Rooftop Rodeo Week

There’s non-stop, rip-roarin’ cowboy action in store for rodeo fans at Estes Park’s very own Rooftop Rodeo, a PRCA sanctioned event and one that has been recognized as the best small rodeo in the nation along with being named the top medium-sized rodeo in the Midwest.

The Rooftop Rodeo Parade on Tuesday, kicked off the six-day event and featured hundreds of horses, marching units, rodeo royalty, team hitches, cowboys and cowgirls, floats, and antique cars.

Gates to the midway open at 5:30 p.m. Come early to snag the best seats, shop with a variety of vendors and grab a bite to eat. There will also be face painting, Western music and more. Evening performances of the Riatta Ranch Girls, a show of trick riding and roping, start at 7 p.m. each night and rodeo events begin at 7:30 p.m. in the arena.

Each night at the Rooftop Rodeo, guests will experience six different Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) events featuring some of America’s best cowboys and cowgirls. Bareback bronc riding, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing and the always popular bull riding are the standard-fare events. For the younger cowboys and cowgirls, the Rooftop Rodeo also features a crowd-pleasing mutton bustin’ competition at every rodeo performance and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, a “cash catch” for cowpokes 8-12 years of age.

Don’t miss your chance to take the Behind the Chutes Tour which offers an exclusive behind-the scenes look at all the rodeo action. Tours are scheduled for 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. each night. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for children three to 11 years old, and can be purchased online. In 2013, these tours sold out each night, so get your tickets early. Groups of 20 or more may make arrangements for special tours, call 970-577-3920.

The Rooftop Rodeo is known for its small town western hospitality and family-friendly atmosphere. Come visit and join in the fun – it’s a rodeo you don’t want to miss!

Both general admission and box seat tickets are available for each rodeo performance. General admission seats are not reserved and prices are $17 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-11. Box seat tickets are $25 for all ages when purchased for one night. Reduced rates for seniors, active military and groups are available. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket window at the Fairgrounds.